BILL ANALYSIS Ó
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THIRD READING
Bill No: SB 469
Author: Corbett (D)
Amended: 1/6/14
Vote: 21
SENATE TRANSPORTATION & HOUSING COMMITTEE : 11-0, 1/14/14
AYES: DeSaulnier, Gaines, Beall, Cannella, Galgiani, Hueso,
Lara, Liu, Pavley, Roth, Wyland
SUBJECT : Aerodynamic devices and tarping systems on trucks
SOURCE : Author
DIGEST : This bill allows tractor-trailers to exceed length
limits by up to five feet in order to accommodate an aerodynamic
device. In addition, this bill exempts tarping systems that
extend up to three inches on a vehicle side from inclusion in
vehicle width limit calculations.
ANALYSIS :
Existing law:
Aerodynamic devices use technologies that minimize drag and
improve airflow over an entire tractor-trailer vehicle, and
under state law they may not have the primary purpose of
advertising.
Existing state law limits the length of vehicles and
combinations of vehicles coupled together from exceeding a total
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length of 65 feet, with certain, specified exceptions, including
an exception that allows 75-foot long truck tractor-trailer
combinations, provided no trailer exceeds 28 feet, 6 inches.
Under existing law, any extension or device used to increase the
carrying capacity of a vehicle is generally included in
measuring the length of a vehicle, subject to certain
exceptions.
Existing state law limits the width of a vehicle to no more than
102 inches, with certain exceptions, including that a vehicle
may have an aerodynamic device, as defined, that extends up to
three extra inches beyond each side of the vehicle. Existing
law prohibits an aerodynamic device from adversely impacting the
vehicle's swept width and turning characteristics.
SB 12 (Corbett, Chapter 727, Statutes of 2012) exempted
aerodynamic devices from width, but not length, limit
calculations.
SB 12 also replaced the terms "swept width and turning
characteristics" with "turning radius" as they pertain to
prohibiting adverse turning characteristics of trucks.
"Tarping Systems" have been defined in federal code for over 11
years, but are not defined in California law. "Tarping Systems"
are defined as "moveable device(s) used to enclose the cargo
area of flatbed semitrailers or trailers."
This bill:
1.Exempts an aerodynamic device that extends up to five feet
beyond the rear of a vehicle from inclusion in a vehicle's
length calculation if the device does not obscure tail lights
and other required safety devices; and does not have the mass,
strength, or rigidity to damage a vehicle or injure a
passenger in a vehicle that strikes it from the rear.
2.Prohibits an aerodynamic device from affecting the vehicle's
turning radius, as defined, or interfering with the vehicle's
ability to complete a turn.
3.Exempts tarping systems that extend up to three inches on a
vehicle side from inclusion in vehicle width limit
calculations.
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Comments
This bill purposes to align state law with federal law in two
respects. First, this bill allows use of aerodynamic devices
that extend up to five feet beyond the length of a truck.
Aerodynamic devices reduce air flow friction and turbulence,
thereby improving fuel economy and reducing greenhouse gas
emissions, and improving the stability of trucks.
Second, this bill exempts tarping systems, extending up to three
inches on each side of a vehicle, from vehicle width limit
calculations. The addition of tarping systems to this bill is
at the request of the CHP.
Both changes (aerodynamic device and tarping systems) will
provide consistency with other states and makes compliance
easier for trucks travelling in multiple states.
Related legislation
Last year, by a 37-0 vote, the Senate passed a similar bill, SB
109 (Corbett, Chapter 752, Statutes of 2013). The author
amended SB 109 to address another matter related to charter
limousines.
FISCAL EFFECT : Appropriation: No Fiscal Com.: No Local:
No
SUPPORT : (Verified 1/17/14)
ATDynamics Inc.
California Police Chiefs Association, Inc.
California Trucking Association
CALSTART
JA:e 1/17/14 Senate Floor Analyses
SUPPORT/OPPOSITION: SEE ABOVE
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